The following are some frequently asked questions about suicide prevention services:

What kinds of suicide prevention services are there?The most common suicide prevention service is a hotline. Suicide hotlines typically have professional counselors available 24 hours a day. These convenient services provide callers with a friendly individual who will listen compassionately to any problems or emotions someone is experiencing. In extreme situations, a hotline will recommend that the caller contact emergency medical personnel in order to get additional help. There are numerous suicide support groups available, including online groups and groups that meet in person. The most important thing to consider when selecting a suicide prevention service is to find one that suits the individual’s needs. A suicide prevention service is ineffective if someone is not comfortable with it.

What causes suicidal thoughts?There are many different things that can cause someone to contemplate suicide. A significant life change, like divorce or death, can easily bring on feelings like anger and depression, which can all lead to suicidal thoughts. Chemical imbalances in the body have also been linked to emotional issues. Drug use can also affect someone’s emotional and chemical balances. Anyone with suicidal thoughts should remember that many people deal with the same emotions. There are different treatments that can help.

How can suicidal thoughts be handled?Getting help is the first step towards getting better. Counseling – whether individual or in a group – can be extremely helpful. Counseling will provide an emotional outlet. Group sessions can help reassure someone that they are not alone, and they can also be a source for advice on coping with depression and other strong emotions. Antidepressants and other medications can also be used to help alleviate chemical imbalances in the body that may lead to suicidal thoughts.

When looking for a suicide prevention hotline or support group, begin your search online and in the local yellow pages. Use search terms, such as “youth,” “adolescent,” or “teen,” in addition to “suicide prevention groups,” if you are searching for a groups geared toward young people. Some common issues that provoke suicidal thoughts include depression, stress, and grief from the loss of a loved one. Others include domestic violence, abuse, and addiction. There are groups and hotlines that deal with all of the above issues, as well as some dedicated to each particular issue. If you know somebody showing signs of suicidal thoughts, such as talking about death as an escape from their problems, recognize this is a warning sign. Often, people will have these types of calls for help before actually attempting suicide. Finding the right counseling can convert people's attitudes and outlook on life, helping them to see the light at the end of their tunnel. After finding a list of possible hotlines and support groups, try to determine which seems most appropriate, keeping in mind the person's demographic and issues they are dealing with. If you don't really know what is causing the depression or other issue causing the suicidal talk, get the phone numbers to several and begin calling and asking questions. Asking friends and family that have dealt with this issue can also be very beneficial. Be sure to ask all of the questions you have. The more you know about coping, counseling, prevention, and healing techniques, the better chance you have of helping yourself or providing supportive information.